Tom Holland, the 27-year-old actor known for his role in “Spider-Man: No Way Home,” recently opened up about his journey to sobriety, declaring it as “the best thing I’ve ever done.” Speaking on the “On Purpose with Jay Shetty” podcast, Holland revealed that despite his ability to consume alcohol in large quantities in the past, he decided to give Dry January a try in 2022 after a particularly “boozy” holiday season.
To his surprise, he found the experience challenging, confessing, “All I could think about was having a drink; it’s all I could think about. I was waking up thinking about it … and it just really scared me.” As he continued to struggle through February, feeling a constant urge to drink even when going out, Holland began to worry that he might have an alcohol problem.
In an attempt to prove to himself that he didn’t have an issue, the “Crowded Room” star set a personal challenge to stay sober until his birthday, thinking, “If I can do six months without alcohol, then I can prove to myself that I don’t have a problem.” When June 1st arrived and he successfully reached his birthday without a drink, Holland described himself as the happiest he had ever been. He experienced improved sleep, better problem-solving abilities, and a newfound mental clarity that allowed him to handle setbacks on set more easily.
Reflecting on his journey, Holland questioned his enslavement to alcohol and his obsession with the idea of drinking. Now a year and a half into his sobriety, he stated that the thought of having a drink doesn’t even cross his mind anymore. He credited his “super supportive” friends for being there for him throughout this transformative process.
Although Holland doesn’t want to preach sobriety to others, he hopes that sharing his story may encourage people to drink less. He expressed delight in his mother following his example and embracing the sober lifestyle alongside him. Holland emphasized the remarkable difference he feels from not drinking, describing it as an amazing transformation.